St.Tropez Classic Bronzing Self Tan Mousse for Streak-Free, Golden Tinted, Natural-Looking Tan, 8 Fl Oz

Why it's worth it

St.Tropez's Classic Bronzing Mousse has been the professional standard for more than 25 years, and it still handles the two hardest parts: an even application and a graceful fade. The tint shows you exactly where you've been, and the finished color leans golden instead of orange.

If you've never used a self tanner before, start here. The mousse goes on with a visible tint, so you can see the streak you just made and blend it out before it sets. That single feature does more for beginners than any marketing claim. Owners who describe themselves as genuinely pale — the kind who burn instead of tan — consistently report a believable golden result rather than a brassy one.

The fade is the part people underrate. Plenty of tanners look great on day one and then break apart into blotches around day four, usually across the shins and forearms. St.Tropez fades more gradually and more evenly, which means you can top up on your own schedule instead of scrubbing everything off and starting over. For a product you'll reapply every week or so, that matters more than peak darkness.

From our review of 8 self tanners and tanning drops, by Sarah Wright, Editorial Associate

What we like

• +If you've never used a self tanner before, start here
• +The fade is the part people underrate
• +It dries fast — quickly enough that you can get dressed without standing around in a towel
• +The timing is flexible, which is why it suits real schedules

What to know

• –The scent is a real limitation
• –Longevity depends heavily on you